Summary

A new eye screening service and delivery model will enhance the effectiveness of remote health service delivery, optimise health spending and help close the gap in health outcomes for people in remote areas – particularly those at risk of blindness from underlying conditions such as diabetes.

This project implemented retinal screening using a telehealth platform developed by CSIRO. Health workers were trained to use retinal cameras to capture images of patients’ eyes in remote communities. Ophthalmology teams, based in larger regional centres, accessed this information via web-based technologies and provide review and diagnostic services.

The lessons learned from this research contributed to the development of a new and innovative model of care for delivering remote health services, with potential applicability to broader health initiatives in remote communities.

Expected outcomes

• Screening and early detection of diabetic retinopathy helps prevent blindness and contributes to closing the gap in providing specialist eye care in rural and remote northern Australia. This is expected to have an annual cost impact of approximately $2.4 million.¹
• Building the capacity of the northern Australian healthcare workforce to perform eye screening tests – including other eye diseases – is expected to have an annual cost impact of $12 million.
• Estimated savings from reduced patient travel are $6.4 million per annum. ²
• Improved ability to build relationships between remote communities and broader public health agencies.
• Increased employment opportunities and expanded skillsets within the northern Australia workforce.
• Greater uptake of high-end remote technologies through telehealth platforms.

¹ Impact cost is based on earlier diagnosis and prevention of vision loss in 1% of the population living in seven remote communities of  1,200 people each, at $29,000 per patient. Source: Access Economic calculations, June 2010.

² Estimated at $800 per trip based on Queensland Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.